IgA Cutaneous Purpura Post–Renal Transplantation in a Patient With Long-Standing IgA Nephropathy

Abstract

Background:

IgA vasculitis is a small-vessel vasculitis caused by deposition of IgA antibodies in tissues. IgA nephropathy and IgAV have long been considered related conditions.

Objective:

To assess the prevalence and implications of new-onset Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) after renal transplant in patients with underlying IgA nephropathy.

Methods:

The PubMed database was searched for keywords such as IgAV, IgA vasculitis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, HSP, IgA nephropathy, and renal transplant.

Results:

Two cases of new-onset IgA vasculitis post–renal transplant after stopping the prednisone or receiving seasonal influenza vaccine have been reported. We report the case of new-onset IgA cutaneous vasculitis in a renal transplant patient with IgA nephropathy after reduction in his prednisone dosage.

Conclusion:

The new development of cutaneous IgA vasculitis is unusual in renal transplant patients with IgA nephropathy. Despite these patients’ being immunosuppressed, the presence of IgA vasculitis could signal the recurrence of IgA nephropathy.